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This week I’m at Thousand Pines – a camp in southern California – and another full week of jr. high students. Being here last night I remembered an article I wrote on the similarities between jr. highers and college-age people. So, I thought I would include it in this blog entry:
Last week I was speaking at a high school conference, and this week I’m at a camp speaking to junior highers. I consider myself a college ministry guy, but every time I do a junior high camp I find myself falling in love with this age all over again. They’re crazy, but a ton of fun.
I’ve had some down time today so for fun I decided to think about how junior high students are similar to college-age people. I’ve never really put much thought into it, but after being here for a few days I’m seeing a lot of similarities. Here’s what I’ve come up with so far:
1. They live by the minute. They go through life by the minute and do whatever seems the most fun at that given time. Few have a sense of direction beyond the here and now.
2. They spend money on what they want to. A junior high student may come to camp with $30 from their parents and they’ll spend it all the first day on candy for the week. Then, when they don’t have enough money for lunch on the bus ride home they’ll complain about how their parents didn’t give them enough money. College-age people, for example, might apply for a scholarship for a trip costing $200 dollars, get half off the price of the trip, need to pay their share of $100 in installments, but then they’ll bring $150 cash with them on the trip!? To top it off they’ll spend that on food at the most expensive ski lodge.
3. They’re thinking through and searching for an identity. High school students pretty much assume an identity in a social network of friends, but before and after this age-stage people are in a stage of...more
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Hey, I hope you have an awesome time at Thousand Pines! You and your family are in my prayers.
I agree with your observations on Jr Highers vs. Collegers. I’ve connected with both age groups (and lack some connection with high schoolers), and your words are helping me sort out the reasons why. Thank you!
-Marlene
P.S. I will probably forever read your blog now that I’ve found it.
Having you at Thousand Pines was awesome! I was fortunate enough to go as a counselor with our church & loved every minute of it. What you said made sense to the kids and we’ve had great discusssions with a couple of the students stemming from your talks. Awesome job!